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Deuteronomy 27:1-10

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  Deuteronomy 27:1-10 begin the final section of the book. After having reviewed the Law in preparation for His people to enter the Promised Land, God calls them to renew the covenant by committing to obey the law, writing the law on stones at Mount Ebal, and offering burnt and peace offerings to the LORD on an altar of uncut stones.  Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 & 8 What are some benefits of writing the words of God's law on stone? [NOTE: Consider also that the words of God's law are written on our hearts (see Psalm 40:8; Jeremiah 31:33) ] Verses 5-7 Since burnt and peace offerings represent total commitment and joyful fellowship with the LORD, what can I offer Him today to express my commitment and joy? Verses 9-10 Why is obedience to the LORD essential for the people of God?
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Deuteronomy 26:1-19

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  Deuteronomy 26:1-19 conclude the detailed review of the Law (chapters 5-26), summarized by love for God through the offering of firstfruits and love for others through tithes given to the Levite, sojourner, orphan, and widow. This chapter ends with a reaffirmation of Israel's covenant with God; His people, holy and set apart as His treasured possession, are to keep all His commandments. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 When I experience the fulfillment of God's promises in my life, what is my response? Verses 5-11 These verses recount Israel's history, beginning with Jacob the Aramean/Syrian (see Genesis 28) and recalling how God made them a great nation in Egypt despite hardship.  In what ways has God been at work in my life through difficult circumstances? Verses 12-15 How can my actions and heart reflect genuine love for others, especially those in need? Verses 16-19 How does my life demonstrate m...
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Deuteronomy 25:11-19

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  Deuteronomy 25:11-19 give instructions on protecting dignity, fairness, using honest weights and measures, and executing justice against the Amalekites. The judgment against the Amalekites, beginning with their initial attack in Exodus 17:8-16, unfolded over a long period, allowing them time to turn from their wicked ways. However, their continued wickedness ultimately led to their destruction in 1 Samuel 15. The final biblical mention of the Amalekites appears with Haman in the Book of Esther. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 11-16 How can I grow in my integrity and in showing respect for the dignity of others? Verses 17-19 What steps might I need to take to turn away from any long-standing or recurring sins in my life? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Let My Weights Be True" (Deuteronomy 25): Link
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Deuteronomy 25:1-10

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  Deuteronomy 25:1-10 give instructions on humane justice, considerate treatment of animals, and the practice of levirate marriage to preserve family lineage. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-3 How does God show mercy and compassion to me, even when I am guilty? Verse 4 The apostle Paul applied this verse in 1 Corinthians 9:9 and 1 Timothy 5:18 to share with those who labor in ministry.  In what ways might we enjoy the fruit of our labors for the Kingdom of God? Verses 5-10 Levirate marriage was beautifully applied in Ruth 4:1-17 but legalistically used by the Sadducees to test Jesus in Matthew 22:24, Mark 12:19, and Luke 20:28.  How do I view God's laws, and how does that affect the way I apply them in my life?
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Deuteronomy 24:1-22

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  Deuteronomy 24:1-22 provide instructions on marriage and remarriage, loan pledges, leprosy, personal responsibility, and care for the needy, particularly sojourners, orphans, and widows. Israel is to act with compassion, remembering that they were once slaves redeemed by God. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-5 In Matthew 19:8, Jesus said " Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so ."  In what areas of my life might a hardened heart keep me from following God's better plan? Verses 6-22 How do these laws reveal God's heart for the poor and needy? How might remembering that God redeemed me from slavery to sin move me to show greater compassion towards others? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Because I Remember" (Deuteronomy 24): Link
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Deuteronomy 23:1-25

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  Deuteronomy 23:1-25 emphasize:  Holiness - Those who enter the assembly of the LORD must not be mutilated, illegitimate, or from enemy nations.  Purity is also required within the camp. Compassion - Escaped slaves are to be given refuge and fellow Israelites are not to be charged interest on loans. Integrity - Abominable practices are to be avoided, vows to God are to be fulfilled, and greed is to be resisted, especially when benefitting from a neighbor's property. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-14 What do these laws reveal about God's holiness and the requirements for entering His presence? [NOTE: Consider God's compassion for the outcast (e.g., Isaiah 56:1-8) and the cleansing we receive through Jesus (e.g., 1 John 1:7) ] Verses 15-25 How might these laws guide me in practicing compassion and integrity in my personal life and within my community? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, follo...
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Deuteronomy 22:1-30

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  Deuteronomy 22:1-30 provide instructions that emphasize love for neighbor, community responsibility, and moral integrity. Also emphasized is the importance of being set apart by honoring God's created distinctions. And the sexual morality laws particularly relate to the seventh (" You shall not commit adultery ") and tenth (" You shall not covet ") commandments. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 Verses 1, 3, and 4 repeat the instruction to not "ignore" helping a neighbor. In what ways do I live out the command to love my neighbor?  Verses 5-11 How well does my life reflect that I am set apart for God? Verse 12 Numbers 15:39 says " And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the LORD and do them. " Is there anything I wear that helps to remind me to obey the LORD? Verses 13-30 What is my reaction to how far our culture has...
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